Great Falls Optimist Club

Optimist International Oratorical Contest

The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.

First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winner at the Great Falls Club level receives a $500 scholarship, and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1000.

This year's topic is: Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?

Who may enter: Students under the age of 16 as of December 31, 2009 who are residents of Great Falls, Reston or McLean.

How to enter: Interested students submit a speech on the topic to Great Falls Optimist Club Contest Coordinator Julie Casso (mcasso@msn.com) no later than April 12, 2010.

When:  The Great Falls Optimist Club Contest will be held April 15, 2010 at 7:00 pm.  Winners from the Club Contest will compete in Zone and Regional contests in May and June.

For an application with contest rules, please visit: www.optimist.org/form/Oratorical_Rules_PAD-E_09-10.pdf